Mom's 50th! John Deere Cake

We also had my mom's 50th Suprise party this weekend. OMG, with a toddler in tow, things are about 100 times more difficult. We managed to get the cake to the party and get my mom there without any problems and she really had no clue. Everyone had a great time.

Here's the cake:

I made an extra cake that was chocolate as well. It took me 20 minutes. The actual John Deere cake took 5 hours, but I like how it came out. My mom loved them, as did everyone else. I'm still learning so I see the imperfections, but everyone was really impressed. So what if it's not perfect? It was my first one and turned out great! We made it an early night because we had this little cutie :) She was my helper all weekend.

50th Birthday Gifts for Mom!! Need advice!

My mom's 50th surprise party is this weekend. I'm been so preoccupied with keeping her from finding out, that I haven't had time to come up with a present! She's extremely difficult to buy for because she shops more than I do!!! Anything she wants, she buys or she has had for 20+ years and WILL NOT replace it. I've bought her some pretty random things over the years, but this one seems really important. I bought her this last year:

via

The year before she requested a robe. I also got her satin pajamas.

via

This year I am thinking of doing a mother/daughter spa day? What do you think, good idea? I am running out of ideas and have no idea what else to get her! She loves country music, john deere anything and that's about it.

As for me, we watched the Killers last night. I have decided I love Katherine Hygiel :) If she ever wants to be my big sister I will be forever grateful. Also I loved this white dress she wore on their first date in the movie.

via

4 out of 5 stars. It was super cute and great date night movie, but I'd definitely watch it again. I love how their friend in the movie had a dog named Sir-Barks-Alot, LOL.
I'm waiting for my school to release next semesters classes, but unforunately they are a couple days late. I register for winter classes in 2.5 weeks :/ I hope they release it soon...

I've been bit!

By the baking bug!!! I am looking forward to baking 2 birthday cakes this weekend. I also found a recipe for Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. I can not wait to use some of my baking skills! It will be the SIL birthday next week, so I will make her a birthday cake. She also asked me to go shopping because she needs "tall winter shoes". I have no idea what they are, but I'm sure we will find plenty while looking for them. I also have my mom's surprise 50th birthday and am going to make an attempt at this:

via google search

There are some super crafty people out there so I'm going to make an attempt at making something similar. My mom really likes John Deere (I grew up on a farm) so I'd like to tie that into the cake.
I am also itching to finish off my Halloween Decor. My garage and paint are calling my name. I'm planning on making some sort of soup in the crockpot. Wow, look at me, a real-life Martha Stewart type huh?
I have books to read, movies to watch and shopping to do. I hope work flies by today. I hope you all have a great weekend!
Here are the blog hops for today!

Thursday Thanks!

Ok, I know I complain about my work, but I am thankful to have a job. I really am. Some days I just feel as though the stress isn't worth the money :( From the time I wake up until I fall asleep (even during my dreams sometimes) I think about work and what needs to be done, what is coming up, did I send out the check? Do I need to order x, y and z? I love the guys I work with (I'm the only girl!) and the job I've gotten pretty good at over the years (I've been there 7!?!?!?!) Any tips for leaving work @ work?
I HAVE to start cooking @ home and healthy, I have been slacking. I've been beyond tired lately, I think it's the weather. I have a Taste of Home cooking class tonight with my mom. This weekend is one of my bff's birthday, we call her Dora! LOL, I have to bake a cake for girl's night on Saturday. We try to have a girl's night once a month, but stuff happens. I skipped last month's and my SIL is skipping this month's because Saturday is her man's birthday too. Cake & shots, yumm lol.

That is the cake I'm attempting :) Oh and did I mention my mom's 50th birthday is @ the end of the month? My cousin is trying to pin me down to throw a surprise party. It's nice and everything but she has no clue how busy I am. I'd love to work 3 days a week (like she does), but I don't. So I'm trying to make lists and I have to make a cake for her as well. I'm thinking a 2-3 tier cake but I'm not sold on a design yet. 

Cake 

 Cake

I keep busy I know. My SIL birthday is next week too and she wants a cake :( I should really get paid for this stuff....
I have also vowed to finish decorating my house for Halloween this weekend. I want to pick and carve pumpkins, hang my wreath, make and paint my sign and all the other various decorations I have bought. My life sure stays busy. Grocery shopping after work tonight, I napped last night and it was awesome!